Grand Ledge raises $53K for splash pad along river

A two-month fundraising campaign to raise $33,333 toward the construction of a "universally-accessible" splash pad at Jaycee Park in Grand Ledge ended Monday and brought in more than $53,000. Hawk Island Park's splash pad, pictured, is a popular destination in Ingham County.(Photo: Robert Killips/LSJ)

GRAND LEDGE - A new splash pad is set to be constructed along the Grand River by next summer.

A two-month fundraising campaign to raise $33,333 toward the construction of a "universally-accessible" splash pad at Jaycee Park in Grand Ledge ended Monday bringing in more than $53,000, according to the crowdfunding tally on Patronicity.com.

The donations will pave the way for two $33,333 grants, from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and mParks Foundation. City officials had to raise at least $33,333 by the Labor Day deadline to secure both grants. They bring the total raised for the facility to about $120,000 and are expected to cover the cost of the facility.

The splash pad will include 2,000-square-feet of water jets and concrete seating at the nearly 6-acre park off East River Street.

Grand Ledge City Administrator Adam Smith confirmed Tuesday that the crowdfunding campaign exceeded its goal, and that the splash pad should be constructed by next summer.